The new proposals come a week after GP pressure helped force health secretary Andrew Lansley into a climbdown over price competition in the health service.

After the latest amendments were confirmed, Labour MP Derek Twigg told the Commons: ‘The situation appears to be another example of a Government in disarray. Only last week they submitted amendments in respect of their U-turn on prices.'

However a Department of Health spokesperson described the changes as 'minor, technical amendments', most of which were consequential changes to existing legislation to remove references to PCTs and SHAs.

'It's perfectly normal for all Bills to have a number of Government amendments made during a Bill's passage,' she said.

The Government has tabled dozens of amendments to the health bill The Government has tabled dozens of amendments to the health bill Read the amendments